COVID-19

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure, based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses:

• Fever (above 100.4F degrees)
• Cough (not due to a chronic condition)
• Chills
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden loss of sense of taste or smell
• Muscle aches (not due to a chronic condition)
• Diarrhea (not due to a chronic condition)
• Severe fatigue
• Nasal congestion (not due to a chronic condition)

Prevention and Treatment

The best way to prevent illness is to get vaccinated. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC recommendations and government orders for using a face covering.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

What to do if you develop symptoms

Call ahead to a healthcare professional—do not visit in person—if you develop any of the symptoms described above or if you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 and are not yet fully vaccinated.

Your healthcare professional will determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.